Favorite Knives: Nora’s Portable Samurai Sword

This Japanese steak knife was originally part of a set of six that my parents received as a gift, but hardly ever used. When I was a teenager, I pestered my mother into letting me have one, and, although I hate to admit this now, I used it to sharpen pencils in my room. There was something satisfying about the way the blade sliced through wood and graphite to make a perfect, chiseled point.

I’ve since learned that this probably isn’t the best use for Japanese steel. The knife is still with me, though. I love its gentle, bowed shape, and the glide and click of the sheath snapping closed. It’s great for picnics—paring apples, slicing cheese, tomatoes, etc.—any time you need a tiny, portable samurai sword.